The need for “lifelong learning” in the context of a world in which the only constant is ambiguous change cannot be understated. The term itself has many interpretations and most of them refer to the need for individuals to constantly seek to keep themselves abreast of the changes and pick up new skills either through formal or informal means. Needless to say, this is a major focus area for thought leaders and policy makers in all economies and in many ways an “industry” by itself.

If anything, you better worry about “Natural Dumbness”!
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If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you’ve definitely heard about Artificial Intelligence (AI) or machine learning. AI refers to the capability of machines or robots to imitate intelligent human behaviour. You’ve probably also heard arguments on all sides from thought leaders and policy makers about what AI is going to mean for society.

We often hear about how difficult it is for Safety professionals to convince management and sensitize them on the need to drive safety from the “top”. There is also no dearth of advice that Safety professionals get on the need to “talk the language of the business” and improve their communication skills to make the business case and “sell” safety to the top management. ​

In several of the markets that I work in, one of the often-lamented concern of industry and governments alike is the lack of skilled manpower to support the growth of the economy. The reasons could be different in each country ranging from underperforming education systems that cannot cater to the needs of industry to an ageing workforce to upcoming challenges posed by automation. ​